Advanced Electric Machines Redefines E-Mobility with Rare Earth-Free Motors
Advanced Electric Machines (AEM), a start-up from Newcastle, England, is transforming the e-mobility sector with its innovative High-Density Switched Reluctance Motor (HDSRM). By eliminating the use of rare earth materials and copper, AEM has developed a more sustainable and cost-effective electric motor, with aluminum-based technology at its core. This approach not only reduces costs by 90% but also enhances performance and recyclability.
Unlike conventional motors that rely on neodymium or dysprosium magnets, AEM’s HDSRM avoids the environmental and geopolitical challenges associated with rare earth extraction. James Widmer, CEO and co-founder of AEM, emphasized, “Dependence on rare earths and copper brings significant political and financial challenges and harms the environment. Our technology redefines how motors are manufactured, recycled, and integrated into sustainable mobility solutions.” By replacing copper windings with aluminum, the company has reduced coil costs by 89% while improving motor performance by up to 30%.
The HDSRM, already in use in trucks, buses, and rail vehicles, offers three key advantages: lighter and cheaper aluminum windings, 22% lower AC/DC power loss, and simplified recyclability at the end of its lifecycle. The motor’s design eliminates electromagnetic losses and the risk of demagnetization, ensuring robust performance even at high temperatures. Additionally, it operates with standard three-phase inverters, making it versatile across applications.
AEM’s technology has undergone extensive testing, covering over three million kilometers in real-world conditions. The company is now expanding its offerings with the Segmented Switched Reluctance Drive (SSRD), tailored for passenger cars and light vehicles. Currently in the prototype phase, the SSRD achieves a remarkable efficiency of 94% and operates at speeds of up to 30,000 revolutions per minute. AEM engineers are also developing integrated power electronics to further streamline the system.
The shift away from rare earths and copper aligns with global sustainability goals and positions AEM as a pioneer in eco-friendly e-mobility solutions. As industries increasingly prioritize renewable and recyclable technologies, AEM’s innovations could set new benchmarks for electric motor design and manufacturing.
